Ferrari in Barcelona: new criteria for data collection and 2025 interpretation
01/28/2025 01:55 PM
Scuderia Ferrari is taking Formula 1 very seriously, while Lewis Hamilton and the Monegasque Charles Leclerc are in great form and ready to support the team on the track during the TCP tests at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. Many believe that this type of track testing cannot provide interesting insights, but it is important to understand that it is not just a simple shakedown. On the contrary, there are many interesting technical aspects. In recent days, we discussed them in various articles, with a couple of important references regarding the braking system and the power unit developed by Lewis Hamilton.
Regarding the brakes, the Briton made his first approach with Brembo’s system, as he previously used Carbon Industries for braking phases with Mercedes. It is worth highlighting the highly positive feedback from the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who found Brembo's products to suit him very well. This is notable considering the braking issues he faced during the 2024 qualifying season, where he struggled to be competitive. Andrew Shovlin had previously explained the reasons for this. Another factor not to be underestimated is the 066/12 power unit.
The engine tested by Lewis Hamilton at Fiorano on the SF-23 is the one he will use in the next championship. It is a power unit different from the German one. Technically, it lacks the split turbo, with the turbine and compressor positioned farther apart. Instead, the Ferrari design integrates the MGU-H and the turbo within the “V” formed by the engine's cylinder banks. Beyond this factor, the differences between the internal combustion engine and the hybrid system are significant when compared to the Mercedes solution.
Lewis Hamilton has therefore worked on refining his so-called “manual memory,” which helps him use the steering wheel and its various controls quickly and without looking while driving. This learning phase also occurs through the simulator, of course, but on-track testing, due to its nature, is far more demanding. Over the coming days at Montmelo, these studies will continue for the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, still using the 2023 car. However, this time, the hours dedicated to enhancing his know-how will be greater and more focused on specific parameters.
There are additional interesting considerations regarding potentially noteworthy details. Significant measures can provide a great deal of valuable feedback, particularly for someone like Lewis Hamilton, who is new to driving a Ferrari. This specifically concerns the general setup of the car. It is no secret that every Formula 1 team, when returning to the same track after a year, even with a new car, starts by assessing the setup references stored previously. In this case, returning to Barcelona with the Ferrari SF-23, a year and a half after the Italian team's poor performance there, will be highly beneficial.
The competitiveness of the car alone does not make the difference in Formula 1, a point that should be very clear to those who evaluate the sport. Beyond the value of the car itself, the sheer ability of the engineers to fine-tune it is crucial. This is precisely the area Ferrari will focus on, later comparing the data collected with that from 2024. Another hot topic related to this factor concerns tires. Tires are the only point of contact with the reference plane, and not knowing how to use them properly “ruins” performance. Ferrari has countless examples of this.
In this case as well, aero-mechanical settings play a key role. Formula 1 is pure technology, which is why every single lap, even on an older car, can provide highly valuable details. Although the 2025 tires feature a new construction theoretically less sensitive to overheating, improving tire management will be crucial in adapting to the new ones. The department dedicated to vehicle dynamics is in full swing, with significant and intense efforts underway, also thanks to the support of Loic Serra.
The Frenchman, originally from Nancy, has set new work targets, some of which will be tested over the coming days. This refers to the data collection methodology that will be implemented. This is an important exercise, as being able to read the collected information better than others makes a difference in interpretation. One of Mercedes‘ strengths during its dominant era in tire management lay precisely in this: the team’s skill in evaluating all parameters related to the tires. Ferrari is refining this technique, partly initiated in the 2024 Formula 1 season, convinced it will bring substantial benefits.
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